A Metaverse for the Good: Exploring the Potential and Pitfalls

The idea of a metaverse, a sprawling digital realm where virtual and physical realities intertwine, is no longer confined to the realm of science fiction. It's a tantalizing concept, promising a space where people can engage in a myriad of activities, from leisure to education, business to politics, all while transcending geographical limitations.

At its core, the metaverse represents a fusion of cutting-edge technologies like virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, with the potential to revolutionize the way we interact and exist. However, like any transformative innovation, it carries both promise and peril.

The EMRN (Extended Reality and Metaverse Network) stands at the forefront of exploring this brave new world. Comprising researchers, industry experts, and policymakers, EMRN delves into the multifaceted dimensions of the metaverse concept. Their 2024 conference serves as a melting pot of ideas, inviting voices from academia, industry, and policy to contribute to the discourse.

On April 9-10, 2024, researchers from the Grupo de Tratamiento de Imágenes (GTI) of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) took part in the event “A Metaverse for the Good” organized by The EMRN in Barcelona, Spain.

Pablo Pérez, Marta Orduna (NOKIA), Jesús Gutiérrez (GTI-UPM), and María Nava-Ruiz (Fundación Juan XXIII) illuminated the path towards an inclusive metaverse with their work on "Towards the Incluverse: an inclusive metaverse (for people with intellectual disability)." Their vision underscores the potential of the metaverse to bridge gaps and empower marginalized communities.

Matteo Dal Magro, Jesús Gutiérrez (GTI-UPM), and Pablo Pérez (NOKIA) delve into the therapeutic potential of the metaverse in "eXtended Reality and Biosignals in the Therapy of Individuals with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities." Their exploration hints at a future where immersive experiences could aid in rehabilitation and wellness.

Jesús Gutiérrez, Narciso García (GTI-UPM), and Pablo Pérez (NOKIA), presented the test plan of the Immersive Media Group (IMG) of the Video Quality Experts Group (VQEG) entitled "Towards a recommendation for interactive test methods for subjective assessment of extended reality communications." This worldwide cooperation led by UPM and Nokia seeks a common methodology for the assessment of bidirectional immersive communication systems.

Yet, as we embark on this journey towards a metaverse for the good, we must tread cautiously. The immersive nature of this digital realm amplifies both the positive and negative impacts, magnifying the stakes involved.
By fostering collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders, EMRN endeavors to steer the trajectory of the metaverse towards a positive outcome. Through open discussion, research, and policy engagement, they strive to maximize the likelihood of realizing a metaverse that benefits society at large.

At the event, Jesús Gutiérrez (GTI-UPM) and Pablo Pérez (NOKIA), presented their poster titled "Towards a recommendation for interactive test methods for subjective assessment of extended reality communications," adding valuable insights to the dialogue on ethical and practical considerations in metaverse development.

Together, let's chart a course towards a metaverse that enriches lives, fosters inclusivity, and propels humanity forward into a new era of possibility.